| A wedding means celebration, as friends and | | | | take partygoers from one destination to another. |
| family honor the bride and groom with an array | | | | This also alleviates the responsibility of designated |
| of pre- and post-wedding parties. The bride finds | | | | drivers, allowing everyone the opportunity to |
| herself the center of attention at showers, | | | | celebrate. |
| luncheons and dinners where her biggest | | | | If alcoholic beverages are served, the party |
| responsibility is to enjoy herself! | | | | should be a minimum of several days before the |
| The Engagement Party | | | | wedding, if not a few weeks prior. No one will |
| Parents traditionally host the first engagement | | | | want to look less than his/her best for the day of |
| party, held either on or soon after the day the | | | | the wedding. |
| announcement appears in the newspapers. | | | | The Rehearsal Dinner |
| Occasionally, the parents of the bride and groom | | | | The rehearsal dinner, held immediately after the |
| will host the same party, but more often | | | | rehearsal, can be as simple or elaborate as the |
| separate parties are held. Engagement parties | | | | host wishes. However, it should never upstage |
| often serve an important function. It is a | | | | the wedding itself. It is best to go to a restaurant |
| convenient way for parents to introduce their | | | | or club. This eliminates anyone in the immediate |
| child's fiancé to family and friends. And of | | | | family having to deal with entertaining and |
| course some parents find this party an enjoyable | | | | clean-up the night before the wedding. |
| way to get to know their child's fiancé | | | | Traditionally, the groom's parents are responsible |
| better as well. | | | | for the cost of the rehearsal dinner. If they are |
| Showers | | | | from out of town, they may ask the mother of |
| Traditionally, showers are given for the bride, but | | | | the bride to help with reservations. But it is |
| today it is not unusual to find the groom at these | | | | perfectly acceptable to have a godparent, friend |
| lively functions as they are now generally more | | | | or member of the bride's family do the honor of |
| involved in the wedding planning than in the past. | | | | hosting this function. |
| Showers are given by any friend or relative who | | | | The guest list will include the attendants, the bride |
| wants to do something special for the couple. | | | | and groom's immediate family, the ceremony |
| Customarily, members of the immediate family of | | | | official (and spouse, if any), plus any out-of-town |
| the bride and groom do not host a shower, | | | | guests, family or friends the couple or the host |
| however that is changing in recent years and is | | | | wishes to invite. If it has not already been done, |
| now more acceptable. Every bride is entitled to at | | | | the attendants' gifts may be distributed at this |
| least one shower-the laws of etiquette are there | | | | occasion. All will fare better if they make it an |
| to help, not hinder, the effort. Often, it is the | | | | early evening. The best party-the wedding -is yet |
| honor attendant with the help of the maids, who | | | | to happen! |
| volunteers to host a shower. Since the shower is | | | | Gift Opening Party |
| always given by someone other than the bride, | | | | Nowadays many couples plan gift opening parties. |
| this is one instance when registry information can | | | | This small gathering usually only includes the bride |
| be included with the invitation. | | | | and groom's families and members of the bridal |
| The Bachelor and Bachelorette Party | | | | party. More often than not, gifts are opened the |
| Today both bachelor and bachelorette parties are | | | | day after the wedding or soon after the |
| equally popular. These types of parties are | | | | newlyweds return from their honeymoon. |
| generally very casual and emphasize having fun, | | | | When held the day after the wedding, the |
| unwinding and celebrating the wedding. The party | | | | gift-opening party is often planned around a meal. |
| may or may not include a dinner and takes place | | | | Snacks and refreshments left over from the |
| in a home, a club or the private dining room of a | | | | reception may also be served. |
| restaurant. These celebrations often incorporate a | | | | But the purpose of the party, of course, is to |
| theme and can include attending a sporting event, | | | | open the wedding gifts. A few moments of |
| going to a comedy club or on a shopping | | | | planning will save headaches later, therefore a |
| excursion. Some enjoy activities such as laser tag, | | | | careful record of who sent what is a necessity. A |
| paintball, gambling, golfing, bowling or even | | | | guest book with a gift record section, available |
| camping. | | | | from stationers, book stores and bridal shops, is |
| Getting there can be half the fun when you hire a | | | | recommended. |
| limousine, bus or other transportation service to | | | | |